Page 338 – The Times Of Central Asia

04 Apr 2025

Central Asia, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

U.S. Company John Deere Launches Agricultural Machinery Production in Kazakhstan

April 4, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

American agricultural machinery giant John Deere has officially launched production in Kostanay, Kazakhstan, marking a milestone in the country’s strategy to localize industrial output and reduce reliance on imports.

The new manufacturing line is based at the Agromash plant’s localization center and reflects the Kazakh government’s broader policy to support domestic manufacturing and develop the machine-building sector.

A key driver behind this initiative was the government’s recent decision to end subsidies for imported tractors and combines, creating momentum for localized production. The agreement with John Deere, widely recognized as a global leader in agricultural equipment, emerged as a flagship example of this new direction.

By partnering with Agromash, Kazakhstan’s largest machinery manufacturer, the venture will produce self-propelled, trailed, and mounted equipment adapted to local agricultural conditions.

Local production is expected to help farmers modernize their equipment more affordably. Through a government-backed preferential leasing program with an annual rate of just 5%, supported by 120 billion tenge in allocated funds, over 3,200 farmers will be able to purchase new domestically produced machinery this year.

“Kazakhstan’s agricultural producers now have access to machinery on favorable terms. This not only simplifies modernization efforts but also boosts the development of the agricultural sector,” the government noted.

Agromash President Dinara Shukizhanova credited the country’s economic reforms for making the collaboration with John Deere possible. The initiative is expected to generate jobs, introduce advanced technologies, and prioritize the training of a new generation of engineers and technical specialists.

John Deere’s official representative in Kazakhstan, Eurasia Group, will handle sales, service, and implementation of digital agricultural solutions. Over the next five years, three modern service centers will be established across the country to support digitalization in agriculture. These hubs will offer technical support and training for agronomists, mechanics, engineers, and IT professionals, reinforcing the efficient use of modern equipment.

In addition to John Deere, the Agromash plant currently produces agricultural machinery under the ESSIL, LOVOL, and DEUTZ-FAHR brands. With an annual production capacity of up to 5,000 units, Agromash supplies machinery nationwide, supported by a regional network that spans major agricultural areas from Almaty to Ust-Kamenogorsk.

Deere & Company, the parent corporation behind the John Deere brand, is a U.S.-based multinational manufacturer of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment, as well as diesel engines and heavy-duty transmissions.

The localization of John Deere production not only reinforces Kostanay’s position as Kazakhstan’s leading hub for agricultural machinery but also represents a strategic move toward technological sovereignty, innovation, and a strengthened domestic agro-industrial sector.

04 Apr 2025

Central Asia, Home, Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Features, Kyrgyzstan Home

Unvaccinated Children Barred from First Grade in Kyrgyzstan

April 4, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Education has announced that children who are not vaccinated will not be admitted to first grade, amid a worsening measles outbreak in the country.

Deputy Education Minister Lira Samykbayeva stated during a live national radio broadcast that the process of registering children for school has been significantly simplified. Parents no longer need to submit numerous documents such as passports, marriage or birth certificates, and proof of family composition.

“This year, the Ministry of Education integrated its database with other government agencies, so there is no longer a need to collect certificates manually,” Samykbayeva explained.

However, she emphasized that two medical certificates will remain mandatory: one confirming a general health examination, and another verifying that the child has received preventive vaccinations, including the measles vaccine.

“The only thing that must be provided to the school is two medical certificates,” she said. “Including vaccination against measles.”

A government decree enforcing the new requirement was adopted just a day earlier. In the future, the Ministries of Education and Health plan to fully integrate their systems, allowing medical records to be accessed automatically by schools.

The stricter policy comes as Kyrgyzstan battles a growing measles outbreak. Since the beginning of the year, over 4,000 children have contracted the disease, and eight people have died. According to health officials, 95 percent of those infected were unvaccinated.

Speaking to The Times of Central Asia, Gulbara Ishenapysova, Director of the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis, said the Ministry of Health is stepping up vaccination efforts.

“By decision of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers, the ministry has revised the national vaccination calendar,” she noted.

In an effort to improve public trust, Kyrgyz health authorities have also engaged religious leaders. Clergy across the country are being encouraged to speak with parents about the importance of vaccinating their children.

04 Apr 2025

International Affairs

Future of Radio Free Europe Uncertain as U.S. Agency Weighs Support

April 4, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

The agreement between Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) may be renewed, following recent developments that could secure the broadcaster’s future.

On March 26, USAGM officials indicated that the agency would continue disbursing funds allocated by Congress for fiscal year 2025. This follows a ruling by Judge Royce Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, who granted RFE/RL’s request for a temporary restraining order against the termination of its federal grant.

At stake is $77 million in funding designated for RFE/RL, which operates under a grant to a nonprofit organization. The court order was issued to prevent the broadcaster’s potential shutdown, which Judge Lamberth described as unlawful under current terms.

“This is an encouraging sign for the media corporation’s operations,” said RFE/RL President Steven Capus. “RFE/RL’s operations will be able to continue as Congress intended. We await official confirmation from USAGM that grant funding will be promptly resumed.”

In parallel, ten European Union countries issued a joint statement backing a Czech-led initiative to support RFE/RL. The statement expressed readiness to cover the broadcaster’s operating costs should U.S. funding not be reinstated.

Despite the apparent reprieve, USAGM abruptly cut off satellite broadcasts of Radio Liberty on April 3. The move affected Russian-language programming of the “Present Time” TV channel, which targets audiences in Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.

The Times of Central Asia spoke with Asem Tokayeva, a veteran journalist formerly based in RFE/RL’s Central Asia bureau. In the interview, Tokayeva shed light on internal challenges within the organization and the broader implications for freedom of the press in the region.

04 Apr 2025

Central Asia, Tajikistan Local Politics, Tajikistan, Local Politics, Tajikistan Features

From Malnutrition to Water Scarcity: UN Identifies Key Threats to Food Security in Tajikistan

April 4, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

A new United Nations report titled Food Security and Nutrition Outlook for Europe and Central Asia 2024 has outlined the major challenges facing Tajikistan in nutrition, public health, and sustainable agriculture. The report identifies chronic malnutrition, rising childhood obesity, and vulnerability to climate change as the principal threats to the country’s food system.

According to the findings, Tajikistan continues to face a dual burden: while undernutrition remains a persistent issue, obesity is on the rise, particularly among children.

In 2022, nearly one in seven Tajik children under five (13.1%) suffered from stunting due to chronic malnutrition, while 9.9% were affected by wasting, well above the global target of 3%. At the same time, childhood obesity has seen a dramatic increase, with the proportion of overweight children rising from 4.6% in 2000 to 21% in 2022.

Efforts to address these issues are further complicated by Tajikistan’s climate vulnerability and water management challenges. Agriculture, a cornerstone of the national economy and food supply, is particularly susceptible to shifting weather patterns. Although the government is implementing reforms, including the adoption of a new Water Code in 2020 and a watershed management system planned for completion by 2026, water scarcity remains a critical concern. Water user associations are playing a growing role in this transformation.

The report also highlights gender disparities in the agricultural workforce. Women represent a significant share of those employed in agriculture, yet many work informally, without pay or legal protections. The UN urges action to ensure women have equitable access to land, resources, and decision-making processes.

Beyond Tajikistan, the wider Europe and Central Asia region is not immune to food insecurity. As of 2023, 107 million people, 11.5% of the population, faced moderate or severe food insecurity, with 24.5 million in acute need. In Central Asia, 2.3 million people, around 3% of the region’s population, do not meet minimum daily energy requirements. The crisis is exacerbated by economic instability, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine.

While child malnutrition and anemia in women have declined across the region, adult obesity is increasing and now exceeds 20%. Meanwhile, 7.1% of children under five are overweight, and nearly 64.3 million people (6.9%) cannot afford a nutritious diet, an enduring challenge despite comparatively better regional indicators than global averages.

The UN emphasizes the vital role of water in securing the region’s food future. Rising demand for meat and dairy products is straining already scarce water resources. Outdated infrastructure, pollution, data gaps, and insufficient regional cooperation are all significant barriers to water security.

To address these challenges, the report calls for investment in water-saving technologies, reuse strategies, and reduced agricultural water footprints. Achieving long-term sustainability, the UN argues, requires an integrated approach, one that links nutrition, climate adaptation, gender equality, and modern water governance.

The report was developed with the input of seven UN agencies, including FAO, UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, and WMO. International partners have expressed readiness to support Tajikistan in identifying and implementing durable, systemic solutions.

04 Apr 2025

Samarkand Declaration Paves the Way for a Stronger Central Asia–EU Partnership

September 8, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

The inaugural Central Asia-European Union Summit, held in Samarkand on April 3-4, marked a significant milestone in strengthening ties between the two regions. According to Sherzod Asadov, press secretary to Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the summit’s most significant outcome is the adoption of the Samarkand Declaration, which is expected to provide strong momentum for expanding constructive dialogue and cooperation across all sectors.

In a statement, the EU reaffirmed its “commitment to deeper cooperation in an evolving global and regional geopolitical landscape [and] upgrade relations between the European Union and Central Asia to a strategic partnership.” The EU declaration also committed the bloc to respect the “sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states within the framework of all international and regional fora” and expressed readiness to “address common security challenges.”

Strengthening Economic Ties

Economic cooperation featured prominently on the agenda. Since 2020, trade between Uzbekistan and the EU has doubled, now exceeding €6 billion. Uzbek exports to the EU have quadrupled, and the number of joint ventures has surpassed a thousand. European investment projects in Uzbekistan, meanwhile, are now valued at over €30 billion.

A key development was the agreement to open a regional office of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Tashkent. Established in 1958, the EIB is the EU’s primary financial institution, and its new office is expected to attract greater investment in green energy, modern infrastructure, and digitalization.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has also deepened its engagement in Uzbekistan, investing over €5 billion to date. “We must work together to simplify trade procedures and ensure that Central Asian products gain greater access to European markets. Only through joint efforts can we build a strong and resilient economic partnership,” Mirziyoyev told Euronews. “Over the past seven years, the trade turnover between Central Asian countries and the EU has quadrupled, amounting to 54 billion euros… The signing of the Samarkand Declaration will reflect the common aspiration of the parties to establish a strategic partnership and lay the foundation for deepening ties between our regions.”

During the summit, Mirziyoyev met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. Discussions focused on trade, investment, green energy, and digital development, with the EU’s “Global Gateway” strategy, a counterpart to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a central topic. The initiative is seeking to enhance global infrastructure and connectivity while promoting sustainability and transparency.

“The EU and Central Asia are becoming closer partners, and this summit marks the beginning of a new phase in our cooperation,” von der Leyen stated. An Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the EU is also under negotiation.

Regional Dialogue Among Central Asian Leaders

The Summit also offered a platform for Central Asian heads of state to hold bilateral discussions. Mirziyoyev met with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Talks centered on increasing trade, improving border security, and advancing major infrastructure projects. A recent landmark border agreement between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan was lauded as a breakthrough.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed to accelerate the development of the International Industrial Cooperation Center, which was ratified by the Kazakh Mazhilis in early February, while progress was also made on the planned “Shovot-Tashovuz” joint border trade zone between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

As economic ties between Central Asia and Europe deepen, recent U.S. trade tariffs may further accelerate the shift. The Trump Administration’s new tariffs imposed a 10% duty on exports from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, whilst Kazakhstan faces a notably higher 27% duty.

These tariffs could disrupt regional trade flows, positioning the EU as an increasingly attractive economic partner.

04 Apr 2025

Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan

Photograph of a Kazakh Female Harvester Preserved in a U.S. Library

April 4, 2025
By Duisenali Alimakyn

In the 1940s, British researchers William and Zelda Coates traveled to Kazakhstan and later published a book titled Soviets in Central Asia. The book included a previously unpublished photograph of a Kazakh female combine operator. The English caption identified her as “A typical Kazakh collective farm woman – Kudyash Avnimasova, of the ‘Red Kombine’ farm.”

The book also offers detailed insights into Kazakhstan’s agriculture and industry during the Soviet era. The authors highlight the significant progress made in food production over the previous decade, noting the establishment of numerous factories in southern Kazakhstan. They report that the country had five sugar factories, four distilleries, ten canneries, and three starch factories. Additionally, they emphasize the impact of large-scale industrialization, pointing out that Kazakhstan’s industrial workforce grew dramatically from just 20,000 in 1920 to nearly one million by early 1945.

The Coates focus not only on economic and industrial developments but also on the aspirations, perspectives, and reform-driven mindset of smaller nations. The inclusion of the Kazakh female combine operator’s photograph is intentional; it complements the broader discussion on production and labor in the region.

The authors present data showing that in 1938, Kazakhstan had 191 state farms, 363 machine and tractor stations, 25,646 tractors, and 9,522 combines. By 1947, those numbers had grown to 254 state farms and 670 collective farms, with 12,000 combines and tens of thousands of tractors operating in the fields.

There is a common saying: ‘History is a mirror.’ Indeed, recorded history does not fade; rather, its significance deepens over time. The image of this female combine operator, preserved in the British scholars’ book housed in the Gelman Library at George Washington University, serves as a powerful representation of the resilience, determination, and vitality of Kazakh women in the 20th century.